RESOURCES

metals whole blood test

GENERAL

Heavy metals toxicity caused by increasing levels of pollution and use of chemicals in industry is a growing threat to our health and development of our children. High levels of toxic metals deposited in body tissues and subsequently in the brain, may cause significant developmental and neurological damage.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stated in a recent report that "...if hair samples are properly collected and cleaned, and analyzed by the best analytic methods, using standards and blanks as required, in a clean and reliable laboratory by experienced personnel, the data are reliable." (U.S.E.P.A. 600/4-79-049)

The CDC acknowledges that hair mercury levels provide a valuable maternal and infant marker for exposure to neurotoxic methylmercury from fish.

WHY CHOOSE METALS WHOLE BLOOD TEST?

Whole blood element analysis is a diagnostic method that assists in determining deficiencies, excesses and imbalances of essential elements as well as recent or ongoing exposure to specific toxic elements. Whole blood analysis measures total element levels that circulate extracellularly (serum/plasma) as well as intracellularly (function within blood cells). Therefore, additional testing of blood fractions or other tissues may be necessary for differential diagnosis of specific imbalances, or to assess specific dysfunctions of assimilation, transport, retention or excretion of elements.

Assessment of element levels in whole blood is a valuable tool for identification of dietary adequacy, gastrointestinal, renal and endocrine functions, and excess or deficiency conditions. Additional testing of specific blood fractions or other tissues may be necessary to help identify the specific mechanisms responsible for abnormal levels of elements. Such mechanisms include dysfunctions in assimilation, transport, retention or excretion of elements. Whole blood or packed cell element analysis should be performed prior to and intermittently throughout the course of metal detoxification therapy. Such monitoring of essential element status is necessary to identify needs for, and effectiveness of, supplementation. Replacement and maintenance of adequate levels of essential nutrients can markedly reduce the apparent adverse "side effects" associated with the use of detoxification agents and the general effects of mobilization of toxic elements.

As for urine element analysis of toxic elements without provocation, blood analysis does not accurately reflect total body metal burden. For example, blood lead levels appear to peak 4 to 5 hours after exposure and then decrease exponentially with a half-life of about 27 days. Thus, levels of lead in blood are limited to detection of only very recent or ongoing exposure. The significance of accurately determining body lead burden is illustrated by recent research that clearly incriminates the adverse effects of very low levels of lead in learning and behavioral abnormalities. A safe level of lead in the body has not been determined.

THE BENEFITS OF METALS TESTING

Determine if metal toxicity or mineral deficiency is contributing to the disorder

Monitor the effects of chelation (elimination of heavy metals from the body)

Identify if supplementation of important minerals may bring about significant improvements

Consultation about results is included with each test at The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc.

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

CPT CODES

82310

83018 (7 units)

83825

84285

No Medicare Coverage

82495

83655

84132

84295

82525

83735

84255

84630

testimonials

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